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Nowingi Section Car Gallery

In 1982, permission was granted to three Mildura railway enthusiasts to run a privately-owned ex Victorian Railways ganger's trolley on the privately operated Brunswick Plaster Mills line from Nowingi to the Raak Plains loader. This privilege was undertaken with great respect for safety and provided a unique opportunity to get a greater understanding of the construction of the railway into the harsh mallee desert and to further develop an intense interest in the history of this unique railway. Over the years the acquisition of trolleys (or section cars) gave variety to the many trips made on the line. Permission was also granted to store a trolley at the Raak Plains loader to save having to tow one from Mildura each time a ride was undertaken.

The long curve from Nowingi station taking the Millewa South line to the west was the starting point for many enjoyable trolley rides on this historical railway line. The trolley is a restored former Victorian Railways "Casey". 26-9-1982. Photo: Bruce McLean

The trolley is standing on the site of the points that led to the Ballast Siding. The siding followed the grass on the curve in the track and continued through the gap in the trees to a point behind the clump of mallee scrub to the right of the track. 26-9-1982. Photo: Bruce McLean

It wasn't all plain riding! A rake of wagons was left standing on the main line near Sunset Siding and it became necessary to push the trolley along the ground in order to continue the journey. 26-9-1982. Photo: Bruce McLean

Sunset Siding was the local name for the loop at 11 miles from Nowingi. In this view looking westward, a trolley ride through the loop siding was undertaken. 26-9-1982. Photo: Bruce McLean

Meeting of motive power at the Raak Plain loader on 26-9-1982. In the left foreground is an ex-Victorian Railways flat top trolley used by the Brunswick Plaster Mills for track maintenance. Photo: Bruce McLean

The Brunswick Plaster Mills kept a stockpile of washed gypsum about ¾ of a mile from the Nowingi station ground. Here another trolley trip commences along this fascinating railway line. 16-1-1983. Photo: Russell Savage

The sand dune at 8½ miles from Nowingi was a formidable obstacle for the small trolleys. Note the sand chute erected by Brunswick Plaster Mills to try and keep the tracks clear. 16-1-1983. Photo: Bruce McLean

The rough track and sandy conditions of the Millewa South line were tough on the small Victorian Railways "Casey" trolleys. The next step was to a higher horsepower section car. Surplus to the South Australian Railways, F185, a Fairmont section car, was purchased by Messrs. Savage, McLean and Page. Permission was given to store the section car at the Raak Plain works. 18-9-1983. Photo: Bruce McLean

A smaller Fairmont trolley was also obtained by the railway enthusiasts and this colorful and dramatic view captures the trolley at the 9 mile sand dune as the afternoon sun shows against a threatening sky. 18-8-1985. Photo: John Page